Why We Don't Say "Street Kids"
The Stigma of Living on the Street in Zambia
The term “street kids” is often used in Zambia to describe homeless youth and children living on the streets. It is a phrase assigned to those less fortunate, who have for one reason or another found themselves unprotected. For many, the term “street kid” is nothing but an insult; an unjust assumption that a child has chosen to struggle with life on the street.
With inherent negative connotation, the phrase “street kid” implies a lack of money, education, family, dignity, and self worth. Most modzi students have faced not only the challenges of homelessness, but the pain of being labeled with such stigma. What we must remember is that most children who live on the street didn't end up there by choice.
With inherent negative connotation, the phrase “street kid” implies a lack of money, education, family, dignity, and self worth. Most modzi students have faced not only the challenges of homelessness, but the pain of being labeled with such stigma. What we must remember is that most children who live on the street didn't end up there by choice.